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Commission approves conditional-use permit for 'wild camping' at Deer Springs Ranch
Summary
The Kane County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a conditional-use permit allowing four public 'wild camping' pads on Lot 101-230 at Deer Springs Ranch, subject to engineer sign-off on a 20-foot access, health‑department approval of septic, and other mitigation measures; commissioners removed an engineer-proposed six-foot perimeter fence requirement.
Kane CountyPlanning and Zoning commissioners voted July 8 to approve a conditional-use permit for Lot 101-230 at Deer Springs Ranch that will allow four graded "wild camping" pads to be open to paying guests, provided the county engineer signs off on required mitigations and the health department approves any septic infrastructure.
Applicant Mark Wherry told the commission that the site is a privately owned 20-acre parcel with existing pads and hookups and that he "have the 20 acre lot up there at Deer Springs Ranch, and we have those 4 graded kinda pads, camping pads." Planning staff Shannon recommended conditions after engineering reviews flagged safety issues, saying the primary concern was "that their access emergency, vehicle, ingress, egress, is only 10 feet" and that the minimum for emergency access is 20 feet; staff also noted steep slopes, trash-management and quiet-hours signage, and required health-department approval for septic.
Commission discussion focused on whether to require a vault toilet or a single restroom and whether RVs would be permitted; staff clarified that RV rentals are not allowed in the Ag zone and that the county could require a single restroom within roughly 300 feet of campsites as a permit condition. Commissioners also disputed an engineer suggestion for a six-foot perimeter fence around the 20-acre parcel; the motion to approve the permit was amended to remove the fence requirement before passing on a voice vote. Commissioner Larry (speaker 11) urged including a restroom in the CUP plan, and applicant Wherry said he would consider adding one once the business proved viable.
Under the approved motion (moved by a commissioner and seconded), the county engineer will inspect the site for compliance with the permit conditions (including road widening to 20 feet where required), and the applicant must secure any required health‑department approvals before commencing commercial operations. The permit allows the commission or staff to revoke or require remediation if nuisance, health or safety problems arise.
